What can happen if the order of draw is not followed?

What can happen if the order of draw is not followed?

• A. Blood may clot faster than expected
• B. Test results may be inaccurate due to cross-contamination
• C. Samples may freeze up too quickly
• D. Blood pressure may be affected

Answer: (B)

Following the proper order of draw in phlebotomy is crucial to obtaining accurate test results. If the order is not adhered to, the primary concern is that samples may become contaminated. Each type of tube used in blood collection contains specific additives that are designed to preserve blood components or to prevent clotting for the tests intended. When these additives mix, it can alter the blood's properties and lead to erroneous test results. For instance, if a coagulation tube is collected after a gel separator tube, the gel and additives from the separator tube could interfere with tests that require the blood to remain unclotted. This cross-contamination can vary depending on the tests being conducted and can result in misleading diagnoses or ineffective treatment plans due to inaccurate laboratory results. Maintaining the correct order of draw helps ensure that each specimen is appropriate for the tests ordered and that the integrity of the sample is preserved.

Following the proper order of draw in phlebotomy is crucial to obtaining accurate test results. If the order is not adhered to, the primary concern is that samples may become contaminated. Each type of tube used in blood collection contains specific additives that are designed to preserve blood components or to prevent clotting for the tests intended. When these additives mix, it can alter the blood's properties and lead to erroneous test results.

For instance, if a coagulation tube is collected after a gel separator tube, the gel and additives from the separator tube could interfere with tests that require the blood to remain unclotted. This cross-contamination can vary depending on the tests being conducted and can result in misleading diagnoses or ineffective treatment plans due to inaccurate laboratory results.

Maintaining the correct order of draw helps ensure that each specimen is appropriate for the tests ordered and that the integrity of the sample is preserved.